The Shop

A year ago Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre embarked on an exciting new venture.

All the valuable work the charity does with families across the area, is dependent upon grants and charitable giving for its funding and of course it is important to have a regular stream of income to enable it to undertake long-term projects. In 2015 the Home-Start Trustees decided that a charity shop could play a vital role in providing a regular source of income and, with vital help in covering start-up costs from the Vera Wolstencroft Trust, the Home-Start shop in St. Alban’s Road was born

The shop was officially opened on Friday 27 th May 2016 by the Mayor of The Fylde Cllr. Christine Akeroyd, a staunch supporter of Home-Start Blackpool Fylde and Wyre, and since then it has gone on to be an important source of funding for the charity’s work with families.

It has also become a valued addition to the range of local shops along St. Alban’s Road in St Anne’s on Sea. Staffed entirely by volunteers, under the leadership of Manager Sue – herself a Home-Start volunteer – at present the shop is open four days a week, but everyone is looking forward to those opening hours being extended as more volunteers come forward.

“Sometimes people think the only way you can play your part as a Home-Start volunteer is by being part of the team which go out to visit families and support them in their own homes or by helping at one of our Stay and Play groups, but we also desperately need more volunteers who are willing to staff the shop, whether that means dealing directly with the customers, sorting clothing or other items given to us for sale or arranging eye-catching window displays,” said Pat Naylor the Home-Start Scheme Manager. “If you think you might be interested in helping in this way, why not drop into the shop and have a word with Shop Manager Sue and the other staff or phone the Home-Start office on 01253 728615.”

St. Anne’s Home-Start shop celebrated its first birthday in store on Saturday 27th May 2017, offering customers teas, coffees and cakes, as well as the opportunity to win prizes on a huge tombola. Their birthday celebration was also marked by the launch of their new range of summer stock, offering clothing bargains for ladies, gents and children.

The Home-Start shop is open 10am-4pm Wednesday to Saturday.

How often do you get the chance to have fun, grab a bargain and help others all at the same time?!

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